Hot water supply device for house

ABSTRACT

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hot water supply device for a house capable of eliminating the necessity for installing a heat pump device or a hot water storage tank on a balcony. 
     According to a hot water supply device for a house of the present invention, a compressor  11 , a hot water supply heat exchanger  12 , an expansion valve  13  and a heat collector  14  are connected to each other through refrigerant piping  15  to constitute a refrigerant circuit  10 , a hot water supply pump  21 , the hot water supply heat exchanger  12  and a hot water storage tank  22  are connected to each other through water piping  23  to constitute a hot water supply circuit  20 , the heat collector  14  includes a heat collecting pipe  14   a  and a fin  14   b  which utilize solar heat and atmospheric heat caused by natural wind, the compressor  11 , the hot water supply heat exchanger  12 , the expansion valve  13 , the hot water supply pump  21  and the hot water storage tank  22  constitute a heat source unit  6 , and the heat collector  14  and the heat source unit  6  are connected to each other through the refrigerant piping  15  disposed in a space under a floor or above a ceiling of a living space having a bath room or a kitchen.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a hot water supply device for a housewhich can be used in multiple dwelling houses or a stand-alone househaving a plurality of stories including a balcony.

BACKGROUND TECHNIQUE

Water heaters utilizing solar heat have become widespread, butsufficient hot water can not be used in the event of rain or cloud.Further, since a solar heat absorbing panel is heavy and requires a wideinstallation area, there is a problem that it can not easily utilized inmultiple dwelling houses.

To effectively utilize not only the solar heat but also atmosphericheat, a heat collector, a heat collecting device using a heat pump isproposed (patent documents 1, 2 and 3).

Concerning installation of a solar heat collector in a building or acondominium, it is proposed to install the heat collector on a wall or ahandrail of a veranda (patent document 4).

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.S 61-59155

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2002-31416

[Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.2003-166759

[Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.2001-330327

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

When the heat collecting device as shown in the patent documents 1, 2and 3 is installed in multiple dwelling houses such as a condominium, itis necessary to install, on a balcony, a heat collector which collectssolar heat or atmospheric heat, a heat pump device having a compressorand a hot water storage tank. Therefore, they can not be installed inmany multiple dwelling houses due to a space problem.

The patent document 4 proposes to install the heat collector on a wallor a handrail of a veranda. However, this proposal also has a problemthat the heat pump device and the hot water storage tank must beinstalled on a balcony.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hot water supplydevice for a house capable of eliminating the necessity for installing aheat pump device or a hot water storage tank on a balcony.

Means for Solving Problem

A first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hot watersupply device for a house wherein a compressor, a hot water supply heatexchanger, an expansion valve and a heat collector are connected to eachother through refrigerant piping to constitute a refrigerant circuit, ahot water supply pump, the hot water supply heat exchanger and a hotwater storage tank are connected to each other through water piping toconstitute a hot water supply circuit, the heat collector includes aheat collecting pipe and a fin which utilize solar heat and atmosphericheat caused by natural wind, the compressor, the hot water supply heatexchanger, the expansion valve, the hot water supply pump and the hotwater storage tank constitute a heat source unit, and the heat collectorand the heat source unit are connected to each other through therefrigerant piping disposed in a space under a floor or above a ceilingof a living space having a bath room or a kitchen.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the hot water supplydevice for a house of the first aspect further includes a meter boxdisposed on one side of the living space and a balcony disposed on theother side of the living space, wherein the heat source unit is disposedin the meter box, and the heat collector is disposed in the balcony.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the hot water supplydevice for a house of the first aspect further includes a bath heatexchanger which exchanges heat of hot water in the hot water storagetank, reheating water piping which connects the bath heat exchanger anda bathtub with each other, and a bath circulation pump provided in thereheating water piping, wherein the bath heat exchanger and the bathcirculation pump are provided in the heat source unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the hot water supplydevice for a house of the third aspect further includes a heating heatexchanger provided in parallel to the hot water supply heat exchanger,and switching means which switches over flows of a refrigerant towardthe hot water supply heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger inthe refrigerant circuit, and a floor heating system disposed in theliving space, a heat medium circulation piping which circulates a heatmedium through the floor heating system and the heating heat exchanger,and a heating circulation pump provided in the heat medium circulationpiping, wherein the heat source unit includes the heating heatexchanger, the switching means and the heating circulation pump.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the hot water supplydevice for a house of the third aspect, the heat source unit includes aheat pump unit and a hot water storage unit, the heat pump unit includesthe compressor, the hot water supply heat exchanger and the expansionvalve, the hot water storage unit includes the hot water supply pump,the hot water storage tank, the bath heat exchanger and the bathcirculation pump, the hot water storage unit is disposed in the meterbox, and the heat pump unit is disposed in the balcony or the livingspace.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the hot water supplydevice for a house of the fourth aspect, the heat source unit includes aheat pump unit and a hot water storage unit, the heat pump unit includesthe compressor, the hot water supply heat exchanger, the expansionvalve, the heating heat exchanger, the switching means and the heatingcirculation pump, the hot water storage unit includes the hot watersupply pump, the hot water storage tank, the bath heat exchanger and thebath circulation pump, the hot water storage unit is disposed in themeter box, and the heat pump unit is disposed in the balcony or theliving space.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the hot water supplydevice for a house of the first aspect further includes a floor-heatingheat exchanger which exchanges heat of hot water in the hot waterstorage tank, heat medium circulation piping which connects thefloor-heating heat exchanger and a floor heating system with each other,and a heating circulation pump provided in the heat medium circulationpiping, wherein the floor-heating heat exchanger and the heatingcirculation pump are provided in the heat source unit.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the hot water supplydevice for a house of the first aspect, an opening is formed in ahandrail of the balcony, and the heat collector is disposed in theopening.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the hot water supplydevice for a house of the eighth aspect, a fixing tool is provided inthe opening on the side of the balcony.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, in the hot water supplydevice for a house of the eighth aspect, the fin is disposed such that along side of the fin has an angle with respect to the verticaldirection.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the first aspect, the expansion valve isdisposed in the balcony instead of in the meter box.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, the hot water supplydevice for a house of the eleventh aspect further includes at least onemore heat collector, wherein each of the heat collectors is providedwith the expansion valve.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the eleventh aspect, the plurality of heatcollectors are used, and the only one expansion valve is used.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the eighth aspect, a solar battery isprovided outside the opening.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the first aspect, a tier of the heatcollecting pipe is used.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the first aspect, the heat source unit isdisposed in a porch or a trunk room disposed on one side of the livingspace instead of in the meter box.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the fifth or sixth aspect, the hot waterstorage unit is disposed in a porch or a trunk room disposed on one sideof the living space instead of in the meter box.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the first aspect, the heat source unit isdisposed in the living space instead of in the meter box.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the fifth or sixth aspect, the hot waterstorage unit is disposed in the living space instead of in the meterbox.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, it is possible to enhance a hotwater supplying efficiency to a hot water storage tank, and to prevent awater piping from being frozen, and the installation operation and themaintenance operation become easy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a using state of a hot watersupply device for a house according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the hot water supply device for a houseaccording to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the hot water supply device for a houseaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the hot water supply device for a houseaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the hot water supply device for a houseaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of multiple dwelling houses as viewed froma balcony;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a handrail;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a handrail according to another embodimentin an installed state of a heat collector;

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of a hot water supply device for a houseaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a hot water supply device for a houseaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of a hot water supply device for a houseaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of a hot water supply device for a houseaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram of a hot water supply device for a houseaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of a hot water supply device for a houseaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a using state of a hot watersupply device for a house according to another embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a using state of a hot watersupply device for a house according to another embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a handrail showing an installed state ofa heat collector according to the embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a front view of the heat collector according to theembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram showing an essential portion of a hot watersupply device for a house according to another embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of a hot water supply device for a houseaccording to another embodiment; and

FIG. 21 is a circuit diagram of a hot water supply device for a houseaccording to another embodiment.

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS

-   1 living space-   2 entrance-hall-   3 meter box-   4 balcony-   5 passage-   6 heat source unit-   6 a heat pump unit-   6 b hot water storage unit-   10 refrigerant circuit-   11 compressor-   12 hot water supply heat exchanger-   13 expansion valve-   14 heat collector-   15 refrigerant piping-   20 hot water supply circuit-   21 hot water supply pump-   22 hot water storage tank-   23 water piping-   30 bathtub-   31 bathtub water piping-   32 bath reheating pump-   33 bath heat exchanger-   34 reheating water piping-   40 floor heating system-   41 heating heat exchanger-   42 switching means-   43 heat medium circulation piping-   44 heating circulation pump-   45 floor-heating water piping-   46 floor-heating pump-   47 floor-heating heat exchanger-   51 fixing tool-   52 solar battery-   61,62 air conditioner

EXEMPLARY EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a hot water supply device for a house wherein a compressor, ahot water supply heat exchanger, an expansion valve and a heat collectorare connected to each other through refrigerant piping to constitute arefrigerant circuit, a hot water supply pump, the hot water supply heatexchanger and a hot water storage tank are connected to each otherthrough water piping to constitute a hot water supply circuit, the heatcollector includes a heat collecting pipe and a fin which utilize solarheat and atmospheric heat caused by natural wind, the compressor, thehot water supply heat exchanger, the expansion valve, the hot watersupply pump and the hot water storage tank constitute a heat sourceunit, and the heat collector and the heat source unit are connected toeach other through the refrigerant piping disposed in a space under afloor or above a ceiling of a living space having a bath room or akitchen. With this aspect, the compressor, the hot water supply heatexchanger, the expansion valve, the hot water supply pump and the hotwater storage tank can be integrated into one unit as the heat sourceunit, and the hot water supplying efficiency to the hot water storagetank can be enhanced.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the hot water supplydevice for a house of the first aspect further includes a meter boxdisposed on one side of the living space and a balcony disposed on theother side of the living space, wherein the heat source unit is disposedin the meter box, and the heat collector is disposed in the balcony.With this aspect, the heat source unit is disposed in the meter box andonly the heat collector is disposed in the balcony. Therefore, the hotwater supply device can be provided in a house irrespective of width ofthe balcony. Further, the hot water supply circuit on the side of a heatsource is accommodated in the meter box together with the compressor andthe hot water storage tank and with this, it is possible to prevent thewater piping from being frozen. Further, not only the water piping butalso all of the compressor, the hot water supply heat exchanger, theexpansion valve, the hot water supply pump and the hot water storagetank are disposed in the meter box. With this, the installationoperation becomes easy and it is easy to carry out the maintenanceoperation.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in the hot water supplydevice for a house of the first aspect, the heat source unit includes abath heat exchanger and a bath circulation pump. With this aspect, thebath heat exchanger and the bath circulation pump are also disposed inthe meter box, hot water supplying efficiency to the hot water storagetank is enhanced, the water piping is prevented from being frozen, andthe installation operation and the maintenance operation become easy.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the hot water supplydevice for a house of the first aspect further includes a heating heatexchanger provided in parallel to the hot water supply heat exchanger,and switching means which switches over flows of a refrigerant towardthe hot water supply heat exchanger and the heating heat exchanger inthe refrigerant circuit, and a floor heating system disposed in theliving space, a heat medium circulation piping which circulates a heatmedium through the floor heating system and the heating heat exchanger,and a heating circulation pump provided in the heat medium circulationpiping, wherein the heat source unit includes the heating heatexchanger, the switching means and the heating circulation pump. Withthis aspect, also when the heating heat exchanger is provided, since theheating heat exchanger, the switching means and the heating circulationpump are disposed in the meter box, hot water supplying efficiency tothe hot water storage tank is enhanced, the water piping is preventedfrom being frozen, and the installation operation and the maintenanceoperation become easy. Further, hot water in the hot water storage tankis not used as the heating heat exchanger but heat of a refrigerant fromthe refrigerant circuit is utilized. Thus, a shortage of hot water inthe hot water storage tank can be prevented and capacity of the hotwater storage tank can be reduced.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in the hot water supplydevice for a house of the third aspect, the heat source unit includes aheat pump unit and a hot water storage unit, the heat pump unit includesthe compressor, the hot water supply heat exchanger and the expansionvalve, the hot water storage unit includes the hot water supply pump,the hot water storage tank, the bath heat exchanger and the bathcirculation pump, the hot water storage unit is disposed in the meterbox, and the heat pump unit is disposed in the balcony or the livingspace. With this aspect, when the heat source unit includes the heatpump unit and the hot water storage tank, if the hot water storage unitis disposed in the meter box, the installation operation and themaintenance operation become easy. Further, even if the heat pump unitis disposed in the living space, it is possible to prevent the waterpiping from being frozen.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, in the hot water supplydevice for a house of the fourth aspect, the heat source unit includes aheat pump unit and a hot water storage unit, the heat pump unit includesthe compressor, the hot water supply heat exchanger, the expansionvalve, the heating heat exchanger, the switching means and the heatingcirculation pump, the hot water storage unit includes the hot watersupply pump, the hot water storage tank, the bath heat exchanger and thebath circulation pump, the hot water storage unit is disposed in themeter box, and the heat pump unit is disposed in the balcony or theliving space. With this aspect, when the heat source unit includes theheat pump unit and the hot water storage unit, if the hot water storageunit is disposed in the meter box, the installation operation and themaintenance operation become easy. Further, even if the heat pump unitis disposed in the living space, it is possible to prevent the waterpiping from being frozen.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the first aspect, the heat source unitincludes a floor-heating heat exchanger and a heating circulation pump.With this aspect, also when the floor-heating heat exchanger isprovided, if the floor-heating heat exchanger and the heatingcirculation pump are disposed in the meter box, hot water supplyingefficiency to the hot water storage tank is enhanced, the water pipingis prevented from being frozen, and the installation operation and themaintenance operation become easy.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, in the hot water supplydevice for a house of the first aspect, an opening is formed in ahandrail of the balcony, and the heat collector is disposed in theopening. With this aspect, the heat collector can be disposed withoutexerting an influence upon a balcony space.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, in the hot water supplydevice for a house of the eighth aspect, a fixing tool is provided inthe opening on the side of the balcony. With this aspect, it is possibleto easily dispose the heat collector from the side of the balcony.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, in the hot water supplydevice for a house of the eighth aspect, the fin is disposed such that along side of the fin has an angle with respect to the verticaldirection. With this aspect, flow of air from an upper portion of thefin can be induced by downward flow of cold air which is cooled by thefin surface, and atmospheric heat can effectively be utilized.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the first aspect, the expansion valve isdisposed in the balcony instead of in the meter box. With this aspect,it is possible to adjust the closing degree of the expansion valve inaccordance with variation in the solar heat or atmospheric heat withexcellent response.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the hot water supplydevice for a house of the eleventh aspect further includes at least onemore heat collector, wherein each of the heat collectors is providedwith the expansion valve. With this aspect, when a plurality of heatcollectors are provided in accordance with a structure of a balcony,even if collecting heat values from the solar heat or atmospheric heatare varied due to difference in installation states of the heatcollectors, it is possible to enhance the heat collecting efficiency ofthe heat collectors by adjusting the expansion valve provided in eachheat collector.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the eleventh aspect, the plurality of heatcollectors are used, and the only one expansion valve is used. With thisaspect, when the installed conditions of the heat collectors are thesame, it is possible to control with excellent response by controllingthe heat collectors by one expansion valve.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the eighth aspect, a solar battery isprovided outside the opening. With this aspect, the hot water supplydevice also has the electricity-storing function.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the first aspect, a tier of the heatcollecting pipe is used. With this aspect, it becomes easy to receivethe solar heat, and natural wind can also be utilized easily and thus,the atmospheric heat can also be utilized effectively.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the first aspect, the heat source unit isdisposed in a porch or a trunk room disposed on one side of the livingspace instead of in the meter box. With this aspect, when the space inthe meter box is not sufficient, it is possible to prevent the waterpiping from being frozen by utilizing the porch or trunk room, and theinstalling operation and the maintenance operation become easy.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the fifth or sixth aspect, the hot waterstorage unit is disposed in a porch or a trunk room disposed on one sideof the living space instead of in the meter box. With this aspect, whenthe space in the meter box is not sufficient, it is possible to preventthe water piping from being frozen by utilizing the porch or trunk room,and the installing operation and the maintenance operation become easy.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the first aspect, the heat source unit isdisposed in the living space instead of in the meter box. With thisaspect, when the space in the meter box is not sufficient, it ispossible to prevent the water piping from being frozen by utilizing theliving space, and the installing operation and the maintenance operationbecome easy.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the invention, in the hot watersupply device for a house of the fifth or sixth aspect, the hot waterstorage unit is disposed in the living space instead of in the meterbox. With this aspect, when the space in the meter box is notsufficient, it is possible to prevent the water piping from being frozenby utilizing the living space, and the installing operation and themaintenance operation become easy.

EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be explained below.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a using state of a hot watersupply device for a house according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. Although a case where the present invention is applied tomultiple dwelling houses will be explained in the following embodiments,the invention can also be applied to a stand-alone house.

FIG. 1 shows a plan of a condominium as the multiple dwelling houses. Anentrance-hall 2 and a meter box 3 are disposed on one side in a livingspace 1, and a balcony 4 is provided on the other side of the livingspace 1. A passage 5 is provided on one side in the living space 1, andthe entrance-hall 2 and the meter box 3 face the passage. In thisembodiment, the balcony 4 is provided in parallel to the passage 5 withthe living space 1 interposed therebetween, but the balcony 4 isprovided in a direction intersecting with the passage 5 in some cases.The balcony 4 is provided with a handrail 4 a.

Generally, a balcony has no roof, and a veranda has a roof, but in thisembodiment, the term “balcony” is defined as including the veranda. Theliving space 1 in this embodiment means a residential space, and is aspace including a Japanese style room, a European style room, a kitchen,a armoire, a closet, a bath room, a rest room and a corridor.

A hot water supply device for a house of the embodiment includes a heatcollector 14 and a heat source unit 6. The heat collector 14 is disposedat an opening of the handrail 4 a. The heat source unit 6 is disposed inthe meter box 3.

The hot water supply device for a house according to the embodiment isutilized for reheating water in a bathtub 30 provided in a bath room,for a heat medium of a floor heating system 40 provided in a Europeanstyle room, and for supplying hot water to a faucet provided in the bathroom, a kitchen or a lavatory.

The hot water supply device for a house according to the embodiment willbe explained using FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the hot water supply device for a houseaccording to the embodiment.

The heat collector 14 is connected to a compressor 11, a hot watersupply heat exchanger 12 and an expansion valve 13 through refrigerantpiping 15 to constitute a refrigerant circuit 10.

A hot water supply pump 21, a hot water supply heat exchanger 12 and ahot water storage tank 22 are connected to one another through waterpiping 23 to constitute a hot water supply circuit 20. Piping forintroducing hot water to a faucet is provided in an upper portion of thehot water storage tank 22, and piping for supplying water is provided ina lower portion of the hot water storage tank 22. The hot water storagetank 22 is provided with a bathtub water piping 31 which connects theupper portion and the lower portion. The bathtub water piping 31 isprovided with a bath reheating pump 32 and a bath heat exchanger 33. Areheating water piping 34 connects the bath heat exchanger 33 and thebathtub 30 with each other, and the reheating water piping 34 isprovided with a bath circulation pump 35.

The heat source unit 6 includes the compressor 11, the hot water supplyheat exchanger 12, the expansion valve 13, the hot water supply pump 21,the hot water storage tank 22, the bathtub water piping 31, the bathreheating pump 32, the bath heat exchanger 33 and the bath circulationpump 35. It is preferable that members constituting the heat source unit6 are accommodated in an outer case in terms of configuration, but theouter case may not be provided so that the members can easily beaccommodated in a limited space such as the meter box 3, and the layoutof each member may be changed flexibly. However, in order to exhibitfunction as the heat source unit 6, it is necessary that at least therefrigerant piping 15 includes a connecting portion 15 a which connectspiping on the side of the heat collector 14 and piping on the side ofthe heat source unit 6, and the reheating water piping 34 includes aconnecting portion 34 a which connects piping on the side of the bathtub30 and piping on the side of the heat source unit 6. It is preferablethat piping for introducing hot water to the faucet and piping forsupplying water also have connecting portions.

According to the hot water supply device for a house of the embodiment,solar heat and atmospheric heat are collected by the heat collector 14,and the heat is dissipated by the hot water supply heat exchanger 12,thereby heating water that is supplied from the lower portion of the hotwater storage tank 22. Hot water heated by the hot water supply heatexchanger 12 is stored in the upper portion of the hot water storagetank 22.

As shown in FIG. 1, the heat source unit 6 of the embodiment isaccommodated in the meter box 3 which faces the passage 5, theinstallation operation and the maintenance operation can easily becarried out. The heat collector 14 and the heat source unit 6 areconnected to each other through the refrigerant piping 15, and the waterpiping 23 is accommodated in the meter box 3 together with the hot waterstorage tank 22 and the compressor 11. Therefore, it is possible toprevent the water piping 23 from being frozen, radiation of the waterpiping 23 can be reduced and thus, hot water supplying efficiency can beenhanced. As shown in FIG. 1, a bath room or a lavatory is provided inthe living space 1 on the side of the passage 5 in many cases. In suchcases, since the hot water supply piping to the faucet and run length ofthe reheating water piping 34 to the bathtub 30 are short, hot water canbe supplied with excellent response.

Next, a hot water supply device for a house according to anotherembodiment will be explained using FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the hot water supply device for a houseaccording to the other embodiment. Structures which are common to thoseshown in FIG. 2 are designated with the same numbers and explanationthereof will be omitted.

This embodiment includes the floor heating system 40 shown in FIG. 1.

The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a heating heat exchanger 41 providedin parallel to the hot water supply heat exchanger 12, and switchingmeans 42 which switches between flows of refrigerants in the hot watersupply heat exchanger 12 and the heating heat exchanger 41. The heatingheat exchanger 41 and the switching means 42 are provided in the heatsource unit 6.

The heat source unit 6 includes heat medium circulation piping 43 forcirculating heat medium to the floor heating system 40 and the heatingheat exchanger 41, and heating circulation pump 44 provided in the heatmedium circulation piping 43. In this embodiment, the heat mediumcirculation piping 43 includes a connecting portion 43 a which connectspiping on the side of the floor heating system 40 and piping on the sideof the heat source unit 6 with each other.

In this embodiment, hot water is supplied to the hot water storage tank22 and heat is supplied to the floor heating system 40 by the switchingoperation of the switching means 42. According to the embodiment, asheat supply to the floor heating system 40, hot water of the hot waterstorage tank 22 is not used, but refrigerant heat caused by therefrigerant circuit 10 is utilized. Therefore, a shortage of hot waterin the hot water storage tank 22 can be prevented and capacity of thehot water storage tank 22 can be reduced.

Next, a hot water supply device for a house according to anotherembodiment will be explained using FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the hot water supply device for a houseaccording to the other embodiment. Structures which are common to thoseshown in FIG. 3 are designated with the same numbers and explanationthereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the heat source unit 6 includes a heat pump unit 6 aand a hot water storage unit 6 b. The heat pump unit 6 a includes thecompressor 11, the hot water supply heat exchanger 12 and the expansionvalve 13, and the hot water storage unit 6 b includes the hot watersupply pump 21, the hot water storage tank 22, the bath reheating pump32, the bath heat exchanger 33 and the bath circulation pump 35.

Since the heat source unit 6 includes the heat pump unit 6 a and the hotwater storage unit 6 b as in this embodiment, the flexibility ofinstallation can be enhanced. Also when the heat source unit 6 includesthe heat pump unit 6 a and the hot water storage unit 6 b, the heat pumpunit 6 a and the hot water storage unit 6 b may be disposed in the meterbox 3, but the hot water storage unit 6 b can be disposed in the meterbox 3 and the heat pump unit 6 a may be disposed on the balcony 4 or inthe living space 1. According to this embodiment, since the hot waterstorage unit 6 b is disposed in the meter box 3, the installingoperation and the maintenance operation become easy. Further, even ifthe heat pump unit 6 a is disposed in the living space, it is possibleto prevent the water piping from being frozen, and since there is noair-blowing fan, a noise problem or a heat efficiency problem is notgenerated.

Next, a hot water supply device for a house according to anotherembodiment will be explained using FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the hot water supply device for a houseaccording to the other embodiment. Structures which are common to thosein the above embodiments are designated with the same numbers andexplanation thereof will be omitted.

This embodiment includes the floor heating system 40 shown in FIG. 1

The hot water supply device for a house according to the embodimentincludes a floor-heating water piping 45 which connects an upper portionand a lower portion of the hot water storage tank 22 with each other, afloor-heating pump 46 provided in the floor-heating water piping 45, afloor-heating heat exchanger 47 provided in the floor-heating waterpiping 45, the heat medium circulation piping 43 which connects thefloor-heating heat exchanger 47 and the floor heating system 40 witheach other, and the heating circulation pump 44 provided in the heatmedium circulation piping 43. According to the exemplary example, evenwhen there is provided with the floor heating system 40, thefloor-heating water piping 45, the floor-heating pump 46, thefloor-heating heat exchanger 47 and the heating circulation pump 44 aredisposed in the meter box 3. With this, it is possible to enhance thehot water supply efficiency to the hot water storage tank, and toprevent the water piping from being frozen, and the installationoperation and the maintenance operation become easy.

Next, an installed state of the heat collector in multiple dwellinghouses will be explained using FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of multiple dwelling houses as viewed froma balcony. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a handrail.

The heat collector 14 according to the embodiment is disposed in anopening 4 b of the handrail 4 a of the balcony 4. Although two heatcollectors 14 are provided for each home in this embodiment, a singleheat collector 14 or three or more heat collectors 14 may be providedfor each hole.

The heat collector 14 is mounted from the balcony 4 side of the opening4 b by a fixing tool 51. The heat collector 14 is disposed such that itdoes not project outward from the opening 4 b.

Next, another embodiment of the installed state of the heat collector inthe multiple dwelling houses will be explained using FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a handrail according to this embodiment inan installed state of a heat collector.

In this embodiment, a plurality of heat collectors 14 are arranged inone opening 4 b in the height direction. As shown in the drawing, eachheat collector 14 includes a tier of heat collecting pipe 14 a and a fin14 b, and the long side of the fin 14 b has an angle with respect to thevertical direction. According to the embodiment, air flow from an upperportion of the fin 14 b can be induced by downward flow of cool aircooled by a surface of the fin 14 b, and the atmospheric heat caneffectively be utilized. According to the embodiment, since a tier ofheat collecting pipes 14 a is used, it becomes easy to receive the solarheat, natural wind can easily be utilized and the atmospheric heat canalso be utilized effectively. The fin 14 b is disposed in a directionperpendicular to the axis of the heat collecting pipe 14 a, and aplurality of fins 14 b are disposed at distances from one another.

Next, a hot water supply device for a house according to anotherembodiment will be explained using FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the hot water supply device for a houseaccording to the other embodiment. Structures which are common to thosein the above embodiments are designated with the same numbers andexplanation thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the expansion valve 13 shown in FIG. 3 is disposedin the balcony 4 together with the heat collector 14. According to thisembodiment, it is possible to adjust the closing degree of the expansionvalve 13 in accordance with the solar heat or atmospheric heat withexcellent response.

If the expansion valve 13 is disposed in the balcony 4 together with theheat collector 14 also in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5,like the present embodiment, it is possible to adjust the closing degreeof the expansion valve 13 in accordance with variation in the solar heator atmospheric heat with excellent response.

Next, a hot water supply device for a house according to anotherembodiment will be explained using FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of the hot water supply device for a houseaccording to the other embodiment. Structures which are common to thosein the above embodiments are designated with the same numbers andexplanation thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, a plurality of heat collectors 14 as shown in FIG. 9are provided, and expansion valves 13 respectively corresponding to theheat collectors 14 are disposed in the balcony 4 together with the heatcollectors 14. According to this embodiment, when a plurality of heatcollectors 14 are disposed in accordance with a structure of the balcony4, even if heat collecting abilities from the solar heat or atmosphericheat are varied due to difference in installed states of the heatcollectors 14, it is possible to enhance the heat collectingefficiencies of the heat collectors 14 by adjusting the expansion valves13 provided in the respective heat collectors 14.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 also, like the presentembodiment, if a plurality of heat collectors 14 may be provided andexpansion valves 13 respectively corresponding to the heat collectors 14are disposed in the balcony 4 together with the heat collectors 14, itis possible to enhance the heat collecting efficiencies of the heatcollectors 14 by adjusting the expansion valves 13 provided in therespective heat collectors 14.

Next, a hot water supply device for a house according to anotherembodiment will be explained using FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of the hot water supply device for a houseaccording to the other embodiment. Structures which are common to thosein the above embodiments are designated with the same numbers andexplanation thereof will be omitted.

According to this embodiment, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, oneexpansion valve 13 is provided for a plurality of heat collectors 14.According to this embodiment, when the installed conditions of the heatcollectors 14 are the same, it is possible to control the heatcollectors 14 by controlling one expansion valve 13 with excellentresponse.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 also, like the presentembodiment, a plurality of heat collectors 14 may be provided and oneexpansion valve 13 may be provided for the plurality of heat collectors14. With this, when the installed conditions of the heat collectors 14are the same, it is possible to control the heat collectors 14 bycontrolling one expansion valve 13 with excellent response.

Next, a hot water supply device for a house according to anotherembodiment will be explained using FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of the hot water supply device for a houseaccording to the other embodiment. Structures which are common to thosein the above embodiments are designated with the same numbers andexplanation thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a plurality ofheat collectors 14 are provided and an air conditioner 61 is provided.

The air conditioner 61 is provided in parallel to the heat collectors14. A refrigerant piping 15 b which connects the air conditioner 61includes an expansion valve 13 b. A check valve 15 c is provided in anoutlet-side refrigerant piping of the hot water supply heat exchanger12, and a check valve 15 d is provided in an outlet-side refrigerantpiping of the heating heat exchanger 41.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the function of theembodiment shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to cool and dehumidify air bythe air conditioner 61.

That is, a refrigerant which dissipated heat by the hot water supplyheat exchanger 12 or the heating heat exchanger 41 is decompressed byclosing the expansion valve 13, the refrigerant is introduced into theair conditioner 61, and the refrigerant is vaporized in the airconditioner 61. With this, a cooling operation or a dehumidifyingoperation can be carried out.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 also, like the presentembodiment, a plurality of heat collectors 14 can be provided and theair conditioner 61 can be provided.

Next, a hot water supply device for a house according to anotherembodiment will be explained using FIG. 13.

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram of the hot water supply device for a houseaccording to the other embodiment. Structures which are common to thosein the above embodiments are designated with the same numbers andexplanation thereof will be omitted.

According to this embodiment, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, thereis provided a four-way valve 16 which changes a flow of a refrigerant ina suction-side piping and a discharge-side piping of the compressor 11.It is preferable that a circuit which bypasses the expansion valve 13 isprovided and this bypass circuit is provided with a check valve 15 e.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to introduce a refrigerantdischarged from the compressor 11 into the heat collector 14, and toreturn a refrigerant from the heat collector 14 to the compressor 11through the check valve 15 e, the expansion valve 35 and the airconditioner 61.

In this embodiment, the heat collector 14 can be utilized as a radiatorand the air conditioner 61 can carry out the cooling operation and thedehumidifying operation. According to this embodiment, a hot waterstorage in the hot water storage tank 22 is not required, and when thefloor heating system 40 is not used, the air conditioner 61 can carryout the cooling operation and the dehumidifying operation by utilizingthe heat collector 14 as a radiator.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 also, like the presentembodiment, it is possible to provide a four-way valve 16 which changesa flow of a refrigerant in a suction-side piping and a discharge-sidepiping of the compressor 11.

Next, a hot water supply device for a house according to anotherembodiment will be explained using FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of the hot water supply device for a houseaccording to the other embodiment. Structures which are common to thosein the above embodiments are designated with the same numbers andexplanation thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, like the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, theair conditioner 62 is provided, but the air conditioner 62 of thepresent embodiment has a heating function. This embodiment has arefrigerant circuit 10 a as piping structure, and detailed explanationof the piping structure will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the air conditioner 62 is provided with the heatradiating function so that the air conditioner 62 can carried out theheating operation. When the air conditioner 62 is used for heating air,heat collection of the heat collector 14 can be used, and when the heatcollection by the heat collector 14 is insufficient, hot water in thehot water storage tank 22 can be utilized.

Next, a hot water supply device for a house according to anotherembodiment will be explained using FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a using state of a hot watersupply device for a house according to the other embodiment. Structureswhich are common to those in the above embodiments are designated withthe same numbers and explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 15 shows a floor plan that is different from that of the embodimentshown in FIG. 1. The entrance-hall 2 and the meter box 3 are disposed onone side of the living space 1, and the balconies 4 are provided on twoother sides of the living space 1.

According to the present embodiment, a plurality of heat collectors 14are disposed in each of the balconies on the two other sides. The heatsource unit 6 is disposed in an armoire in the living space 1. In thisembodiment, a lavatory and a bath room are disposed at locationsseparated away from the passage 5, a faucet of the kitchen is disposedclose to a center of the living space 1, and the armoire is disposed atthe center of the living space 1. Therefore, by disposing the heatsource unit 6 in the armoire rather than in the meter box 3, the hotwater supply piping to the faucet and the run length of the reheatingwater piping 34 to the bathtub 30 are short and thus, it is possible tosupply with excellent response. Further, by disposing the heat sourceunit 6 in the living space 1 as in this embodiment, it is possible toprevent the heat source unit 6 from being frozen, heat radiation of thewater piping 23 can be reduced and thus, the hot water supply efficiencycan be enhanced. Since the heat source unit 6 is provided in the armoireformed at the center of the living space 1, connection piping for theair conditioner 62 and the floor heating system 40 provided in eachroom, bath room heater and a spot air conditioner in a kitchen caneasily run.

Next, a hot water supply device for a house according to anotherembodiment will be explained using FIG. 16.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a using state of a hot watersupply device for a house according to the other embodiment. Structureswhich are common to those in the above embodiments are designated withthe same numbers and explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 16 shows a floor plan that is different from the embodiment shownin FIG. 1. The entrance-hall 2 and the meter box 3 are disposed on oneside of the living space 1, and the balcony 4 is provided on the otherside of the living space 1.

The heat source unit 6 of the embodiment includes the heat pump unit 6 aand the hot water storage unit 6 b. The heat pump unit 6 a is disposedin the kitchen in the living space 1, and the hot water storage unit 6 bis disposed in the meter box 3. By disposing the heat pump unit 6 a inthe living space 1 as in this embodiment, connection piping for the airconditioner 62 and the floor heating system 40 provided in each room,bath room heater and a spot air conditioner in a kitchen can easily run.

Next, another embodiment of an installed state of a heat collector tomultiple dwelling houses will be explained using FIG. 17.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a handrail showing the installed state ofthe heat collector according to the embodiment.

In this embodiment, the heat collector 14 is disposed in the opening 4b, and a solar battery 52 is provided outside of the opening 4 b. Theembodiment also includes the electricity-storing function.

Next, a structure of the heat collector according to this embodimentwill be explained.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the heat collector according to theembodiment.

The heat collector 14 includes a tier of heat collecting pipe 14 a and afin 14 b. The heat collecting pipe 14 a is disposed in parallel to eachother on one plane, and both ends are connected to each other thoughtU-shaped pipes. The fin 14 b is disposed in a direction perpendicular tothe axis of the heat collecting pipe 14 a, and a plurality of fins 14 bare disposed at distances from one another. According to the embodiment,since a tier of heat collecting pipes 14 a is used, it becomes easy toreceive the solar heat, natural wind can easily be utilized and theatmospheric heat can also be utilized effectively.

FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram showing an essential portion of a hot watersupply device for a house according to another embodiment.

According to this embodiment, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4,9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, the bath heat exchanger 33 is provided in thehot water storage tank 22 instead of providing the bathtub water piping31 and the bath reheating pump 32, and the reheating water piping 34 isconnected to the bath heat exchanger 33. The bath heat exchanger 33 maybe provided in a tank 22 as in this embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of a hot water supply device for a houseaccording to another embodiment.

In this embodiment, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the bath heatexchanger 33 is provided in the hot water storage tank 22 instead ofproviding the bathtub water piping 31 and the bath reheating pump 32,and the reheating water piping 34 is connected to the bath heatexchanger 33. The bath heat exchanger 33 may be provided in a tank 22 asin this embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a circuit diagram of a hot water supply device for a houseaccording to another embodiment.

According to this embodiment, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, thefloor-heating heat exchanger 47 is provided in the hot water storagetank 22 instead of providing the floor-heating water piping 45 and thefloor-heating pump 46, and the heat medium circulation piping 43 isconnected to the floor-heating heat exchanger 47. The floor-heating heatexchanger 47 can be provided in the tank 22 as in this embodiment.

The above embodiments have been described based on multiple dwellinghouses such as a condominium, but the invention can also be applied to abuilding having no balcony if a heat collector 14 is disposed on a wallsurface instead of the handrail. On a second floor of a stand-alonehouse, it can be disposed utilizing a handrail or a wall surface of averanda. In the case of the stand-alone house, the heat source unit canbe disposed in the living space.

A porch is provided in a space extending from an entrance-hall to apassage in some cases. Further, a trunk room is provided such that itfaces the porch, the entrance-hall or the passage in some cases. In suchcases, the heat source unit or the hot water storage unit may bedisposed in the porch or the trunk room. When the entrance-hall space iswide, the heat source unit or the hot water storage unit may be disposedin the entrance-hall.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The hot water supply device for a house of the present invention issuitable for a condominium or an apartment having a balcony.

1. A hot water supply device for a house wherein a compressor, a hotwater supply heat exchanger, an expansion valve and a heat collector areconnected to each other through refrigerant piping to constitute arefrigerant circuit, a hot water supply pump, the hot water supply heatexchanger and a hot water storage tank are connected to each otherthrough water piping to constitute a hot water supply circuit, the heatcollector includes a heat collecting pipe and a fin which utilize solarheat and atmospheric heat caused by natural wind, the compressor, thehot water supply heat exchanger, the expansion valve, the hot watersupply pump and the hot water storage tank constitute a heat sourceunit, and the heat collector and the heat source unit are connected toeach other through the refrigerant piping disposed in a space under afloor or above a ceiling of a living space having a bath room or akitchen.
 2. The hot water supply device for a house according to claim1, further comprising a meter box disposed on one side of the livingspace and a balcony disposed on the other side of the living space,wherein the heat source unit is disposed in the meter box, and the heatcollector is disposed in the balcony.
 3. The hot water supply device fora house according to claim 1, further comprising a bath heat exchangerwhich exchanges heat of hot water in the hot water storage tank,reheating water piping which connects the bath heat exchanger and abathtub with each other, and a bath circulation pump provided in thereheating water piping, wherein the bath heat exchanger and the bathcirculation pump are provided in the heat source unit.
 4. The hot watersupply device for a house according to claim 3, further comprising aheating heat exchanger provided in parallel to the hot water supply heatexchanger, and switching means which switches over flows of arefrigerant toward the hot water supply heat exchanger and the heatingheat exchanger in the refrigerant circuit, and a floor heating systemdisposed in the living space, a heat medium circulation piping whichcirculates a heat medium through the floor heating system and theheating heat exchanger, and a heating circulation pump provided in theheat medium circulation piping, wherein the heat source unit includesthe heating heat exchanger, the switching means and the heatingcirculation pump.
 5. The hot water supply device for a house accordingto claim 4, wherein the heat source unit includes a heat pump unit and ahot water storage unit, the heat pump unit includes the compressor, thehot water supply heat exchanger, and the expansion valve, the hot waterstorage unit includes the hot water supply pump, the hot water storagetank, the bath heat exchanger and the bath circulation pump, the hotwater storage unit is disposed in a meter box which is provided on oneside in the living space, and the heat pump unit is disposed in abalcony which is provided on the other side of the living space or theliving space.
 6. The hot water supply device for a house according toclaim 4, wherein the heat source unit includes a heat pump unit and ahot water storage unit, the heat pump unit includes the compressor, thehot water supply heat exchanger, the expansion valve, the heating heatexchanger, the switching means and the heating circulation pump, the hotwater storage unit includes the hot water supply pump, the hot waterstorage tank, the bath heat exchanger and the batch circulation pump,the hot water storage unit is disposed in a meter box which is providedon one side in the living space, and the heat pump unit is disposed in abalcony which is provided on the other side of the living space or theliving space.
 7. The hot water supply device for a house according toclaim 3, further comprising a floor-heating heat exchanger whichexchanges heat of hot water in the hot water storage tank, heat mediumcirculation piping which connects the floor-heating heat exchanger and afloor heating system with each other, and a heating circulation pumpprovided in the heat medium circulation piping, wherein thefloor-heating heat exchanger and the heating circulation pump areprovided in the heat source unit.
 8. The hot water supply device for ahouse according to claim 2, wherein an opening is formed in a handrailof the balcony, and the heat collector is disposed in the opening. 9.The hot water supply device for a house according to claim 8, wherein afixing tool is provided in the opening on the side of the balcony. 10.The hot water supply device for a house according to claim 8, where thefin is disposed such that a long side of the fin has an angle withrespect to the vertical direction.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The hot watersupply device for a house according to claim 1, wherein the plurality ofheat collector are used, and the expansion valve is provided for eachother heat collector.
 13. The hot water supply device for a houseaccording to claim 1, wherein the plurality of heat collectors are used,and the only one expansion valve is used.
 14. The hot water supplydevice for a house according to claim 8, wherein a solar batter isprovided outside the opening.
 15. The hot water supply device for ahouse according to claim 1, wherein a tier of the heat collecting pipeis used.
 16. The hot water supply device for a house according to claim2, wherein the heat source unit is disposed in a porch or a trunk roomdisposed on one side of the living space instead of in the meter box.17. The hot water supply device for a house according to claim 5,wherein the hot water storage unit is disposed in a porch or a trunkroom disposed on one side of the living space instead of in the meterbox.
 18. The hot water supply device for a house according to claim 2,wherein the heat source unit is disposed in the living space instead ofin the meter box.
 19. The hot water supply device for a house accordingto claim 5, wherein the hot water storage unit is disposed in the livingspace instead of in the meter box.